Day 27 – Here I am back on an airplane. YAY airplanes! This time, I’m on the way back from Dallas where I had a few business meetings. More on that later.
I just listened to a sermon by Dr. Wendell Estep of First Baptist Church Columbia in which he said, “When my father died, it was a long time ago. I remember being there. I do not remember one song that was sung. And I do not remember what the preacher preached about. But I remember those people that were there.”
That is so completely true. I’ve had three parents die. Yes, I do know it only takes two, but in my case, my stepfather was also like a real parent. My mother, father and stepfather all died at 55 years old or younger. And I can tell you each person who attended their funerals.
As a political operative, I’ve been highlighted in the news a few times in a negative manner. I can also tell you who called me and stood beside me during those tough times.
All to say, you remember the people that have your back. We live in a day where our “friend” sphere has blown up online. We now have thousands of friends. It’s almost like the term has lost all its meaning.
As men, it is so very important to know the difference.
Who is a business colleague?
Who is an acquaintance?
Who is a drinking buddy?
Who is an actual friend?
We have this tendency to call everyone “my friend.” But as the memorable exchange in Tombstone went:
Turkey Creek Jack Johnson: Why you doin’ this, Doc?
Doc Holliday: Because Wyatt Earp is my friend.
Turkey Creek Jack Johnson: Friend? Hell, I got lots of friends.
Doc Holliday: …I don’t.
It saddens me deeply, but so many times I have been bitten by this snake. I call people my friend, and I do what I can to help them, only to be betrayed when I need help. We all think we are like Turkey Creek Jack Jackson and that we “got lots of friends,” but most of us are really like Doc Holliday. This occurred twice in the last week, and I am now finally starting to realize what friendship means.
You may work with someone every day. They may know intricate parts of your life. They may hear the phones calls you have with your wife and even celebrate with you on your birthday. This might mean he is an acquaintance, but it does not mean he is your friend.
You may run with a group of guys who tailgate at football games, go hunting and get smashed on Friday nights. They may invite you over for cookouts and call you every time it’s time for a cocktail. You might share intimate stories and talk a lot of trash. This might mean he is one heck of a drinking buddy, but it does not mean he is your friend.
Remember folks, friends are people that are there for you when times are good or times are bad. They are the types who hug you when the worst things happen. They show up at the hospital when your kids are born and at your parents’ funerals. They celebrate your victories and comfort you in sorrow. They certainly don’t become jealous of your accomplishments or talk trash behind your back.
Relationships are one of the reasons we live. Make sure you don’t waste time on those people who call you a friend just to get something out of you. Spend your time with real friends who care about you. And you do everything you can to help them in return.
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